Mammoth Cave: A Story of Regeneration

Mammoth Cave:

A Story of Regeneration

WORDS & IMAGES: Holly Winkle

AS SEEDS DESCEND to their secret life in the soil and birdsong returns to the forest, a trip to Mammoth Cave currently offers the rare opportunity to witness a landscape reinventing itself and the beauty of regeneration after fire.

Bushfires have shaped Australia’s landscape for millions of years, providing many native species with the opportunity to regenerate. Just as the sun and the rain, fire is integral to the forest ecology and now is the time to experience Mammoth Cave like never before.

Mammoth Cave is nestled in the heart of a region of outstanding natural richness – above and below ground. It is situated only 15-minutes south of Margaret River and explorers of all ages and abilities can discover and connect with nature.

Visiting Mammoth Cave With Children

Mammoth Cave is the most easily accessible cave in the south west and an exciting adventure for families with young children. The journey begins on an elevated boardwalk that leads you towards the entrance of the cave, where you are immediately immersed into the depths of the enormous first chamber.

There’s no doubt that nature tells the best stories, and the stunning surroundings of the cave have been brought to life via an informative audio tour provided through an MP3 player, a big hit for the kids. The self-guided tour allows you to explore the cave at your own pace and the cool temperature, which remains surprisingly stable, hovering around 14 degrees throughout the year, is a welcome reprieve on a hot day.

For budding young fossil hunters, Mammoth Cave is an opportunity to make childhood dreams come true. With over 10,000 fossils having once accumulated within the cave, young cave explorers can discover ancient Australian Megafauna fossils and search for the 50,000 year old ‘zygomaturus’ jawbone (a relative of today’s wombat and one of the largest marsupials that has ever lived!).

As the boardwalks and staircases lead you through the enormity of the cave, you find yourself dwarfed, standing at the centre of a huge natural formation. The base of a large doline (a type of sinkhole) opens up to a naturally framed vista of the towering forest trees above and commences the start of the Marri Walk Trail.

Stay in our air conditioned 2 storey spa villas, chalets, beach cottages & cabins or enjoy the comfort of caravan, camping & motorhome sites with private ensuites. Pet friendly caravan & camping sites. Giant waterslide · Heated indoor pool Games room · 4 playgrounds Jumping pillow · Glamping tents

DID YOU KNOW?

The Marri Walk Trail is a reminder of how resilient this landscape is and how quickly nature can respond and rejuvenate. Flourishing new growth lines the paths edges and climbs the trunks of the towering trees. This walk is worthy of your full attention and as you slow down and take a closer look, you will be able discover incredible species. There’s no better place to appreciate life that has started to spring anew and fire’s longstanding transformative role in this landscape.

Mammoth Cave is open 7 days a week from 9am-5pm, and offers self-guided tours with a suggested duration of 1-2 hours.

Some native Australian plants do not release seeds until there is a fire. Heat from fires trigger seed pods to slowly open and once the fire has passed, the seeds will be released into the freshly cleared soil, making it the perfect place for new plants to germinate and grow.

BUSSELTON HIGHLIGHTS

Busselton’s city precinct and foreshore offers the perfect fusion of coastal and city life. Spend the morning perusing quality shops, cafes and pubs along Queen Street, then, find perfect views of the famous jetty and of breaching whales along the foreshore where playgrounds, skateparks, and eateries abound.

Busselton Jetty: Built in 1865, the Busselton Jetty has always been the centre of activity in this vibrant beach town. Along its 1.8 kilometre timber piling and in the waters beneath, locals and holiday-makers alike walk, fish, swim and snorkel.

Crafty Pints: Busselton is the unoffcial home of craft beer in the south west, with urban, seaside and bush-block breweries - all of which welcome the whole family - offering up a taste of the region’s best.

Free Events: The event capital of Western Australia, Busselton has a calendar packed full of arts, cultural and sporting events. Be sure to catch CinefestOZ Film Festival this August.

ArtGeo Cultural Complex: This is where Busselton’s art and heritage meet; experience historical tours, witness working artists’ studios and wander galleries and exhibitions.

Geographe Bay: The seclusion and safety of Geographe Bay defines holidays in Busselton free enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures. From exploring rock pools and sand-castlemaking, to long walks with the dog and fishing escapades.

Fish or Eat Fish: Holidays in Busselton impart new skills, hobbies and memories, generation on generation. Fishing, crabbing and boating are just some of the unique experiences that holidays are made of here; and if you don’t catch anything, there’s always the quintessential fish and chips on the foreshore!

BUSSELTON JETTY

Equinox Restaurant and Bar Jetty Train Tours Dive Busselton Jetty

Playground

The Gosling Food Trailer BUSSELTON FORESHORE

Skate Park

Shelter Brewing Co

SIGNAL PARK

Merenj Boodja (bush food garden)

Artgeo Complex MARINE TCE

Artgeo Gallery

Weld Theatre Esplanade Hotel

QUEEN ST

Bistro Breton

20 min 1.4 km

Fat Duck Cycles & Espresso

Busselton Central Shopping Centre Hillzeez Down South Surf Shop Cookdigs Takeaway

Phil Hollett Gallery

Fusion Jewellers

Orana Cinema

Busselton Books

BUSSELL HWY

To Dunsborough

Origins Market Busselton Museum

To Perth

TOWN MAP

Visitors Centre Gallery

Restaurant Supermarket

Café Pedestrian/cycle path

Bar Dining/shopping precinct

Gift Shop Green Space

IMAGINE A TIME without haulage trucks on the highways, when we relied on horses for all the heavy lifting. 170 years ago, Australia had one horse to every two people, such was their importance in human transport and haulage. When steam engines were built for commercial use, they created an industrial revolution. When further adapted for ships and trains, the transport industry changed forever.

It’s hard to imagine how significant it would have been for the tiny settlement of Vasse to have the honour of being home to the first steam engine in Western Australia, and the third in Australia. It was a gamechanger, akin to the first automobiles, the first aeroplanes and maybe even the first trip to the moon!

The steam locomotive was named Ballaarat by the Mayor of Melbourne, after the original spelling of the town where it was built. Ballaarat is made from two Aboriginal words ‘balla arat,’ which means ‘resting place’. The spelling of the town’s name was eventually changed to Ballarat, but the engine retained its original spelling.

The Western Australian Timber Company purchased the Ballaarat engine, and were awarded one of only three WA milling concessions granted by the Colony’s governor. Timber milling was the south west’s biggest industry and timber was the biggest export industry in Western Australia until World War I.

The company built WA’s first railway line, a 300-

A TALE OF WA’S FIRST Steam Locomotive

WORDS: Janine Pittaway

AT PULLMAN BUNKER BAY RESORT AT PULLMAN BUNKER BAY RESORT

foot (91.4 metre) landing jetty, bridge and seaport at Lockeville north of Busselton (near Wonnerup) for transporting their timber offshore. Back then there were landing jetties dotted all over the Geographe Bay for shipping purposes.

Ballaarat earnt its keep hauling logs on a 18km tramline from Lockeville to Yoganup, and eventually 30km inland to Maryvale until the mill closed in 1887 after the company met financial difficulty.

The steam engine fell into decline after the mill’s closure in 1887. There was a chance it might be purchased for use on railway lines at Karridale and Boranup but was found unsuitable for those purposes. It was damaged by fire and remained exposed to the elements in a paddock for a number of years.

Eventually things started looking up for the engine, and in 1925 it was donated by landowner Percy Reynolds to the Municipality of Busselton in the hope of giving the engine a better future. The Shire then offered it to the WA Museum followed by the Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR), who eventually accepted and moved it to Midland. However it was considered too expensive to do any restoration, so it remained in the WAGR yards.

It wasn’t until 1929, 42 years after being decommissioned, that Ballaarat finally received partial repair work thanks to it featuring in a State Centenary parade through Perth.

Ballaarat sat in the rail yards until the Busselton community intervened in 1934, requesting the engine’s return. After three years of lobbying, Ballaarat returned home and was installed on public display in Victoria Square in 1937.

It had pride of place in Busselton town centre and was visited by thousands of locals and tourists over the years, but being exposed to the elements for 75 years left the engine a bit rusty and weather beaten.

A Lotterywest grant in 2012 made preservation work possible, and the Shire coordinated a local machining business, a team of volunteers and a Rail Heritage Consultant to undertake the restoration.

The locomotive moved to Railway House in 2015 while a new building was constructed around it. It was to be in its own special space with displays on the region’s early timber industry.

WA Brick Society secretary Ryan Masters has built four Lego models of the engine, starting with when it was operating in Wonnerup in 1871 through to the current version in Railway House. Each replica has about 500 pieces, and are on display until August 2022. With thanks to research by Philippa Rogers for her detailed history of The Ballaarat in Light Railways Magazine, April 2012.

The Ballaarat engine has had a long journey. You can see her today at a special display room at Railway House in Busselton.

SOAK UP THE SOAK UP THE MARGARET RIVER REGION'S

MARGARET RIVER REGION'S BEST OCEAN VIEW BEST OCEAN VIEW

In the restaurant or bar, dining at Pullman

Other Side of the Moon Restaurant is an experience full of local flavour.

& Bar, dining at Pullman is an

experience full of local flavour.Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Social Hour, daily from 3-5pm Breakfast, lunch & dinnerSpring whale watching

The Social Hour, daily from 3-5pm Weddings & private events Weddings & private events 42 Bunker Bay Road (off Cape Naturaliste Road) 42 Bunker Bay Road (off Cape Naturaliste Road)NATURALISTE WA 6281 NATURALISTE WA 6281

OUR WORLD IS YOUR PLAYGROUNDOUR WORLD IS YOUR PLAYGROUND

EXPLORE

Bustling Busselton

Think you know Busso? Busselton’s ditched its quiet seaside image and welcomed some brilliant new breweries, burger bars and bistros. Rediscover this bustling city and the epic eateries in its CBD.

WORDS: Lizzy Pepper

BUSSELTON’S BEST BREAKFASTS

Hailing from Brittany, France, Bistro Breton serves up seriously scrumptious sweet and savoury crepes. Caramelised apples and Chantilly cream with ‘une noisette’ – there’s no better way to start the day. Open Monday - Friday. The Good Egg is a favourite amongst locals, and it’s a café with a big heart. Great Micrology coffee, freshly squeezed juice, perfect Eggs Benedict and kids are very welcome too, with a cool play area. Their upstairs office hub is perfect if you need a quiet place to catch up on some work. Open for lunch, bookings recommended. ALSO TRY: The Equinox for bay views.

Busselton Jetty Chalets are a small complex of unique self contained holiday homes opposite the Busselton Foreshore and a short walk to the famous Busselton Jetty.

CAFÉ CRUISING

Get your treadly serviced while you sip a long mac at Fat Duck Cycles and Thirteen Espresso. Athletes will be tempted by the bike and triathlon gear; the rest of us will fall for the fresh cinnamon buns.

Busselton Bean & Gone has grown from a hole in the wall serving good coffee, mini donuts and bagels to a hidden treasure where the walls are plastered with vinyl records.

Set within the limestone walls of the old courthouse, The Lock-up Coffee House is renowned for scones with jam and cream. If you can’t nab one of their retro seats, take your coffee for a stroll along Queen Street to the foreshore 150 metres away.

Baked is a groovy family-owned and operated bakery, with superb wraps, quiches and sweet treats. Don’t miss the vanilla slice. ALSO TRY: Hummingbird Café, Alans Café for gluten free, and new Mano Wraps on Queen Street for delicious Itialian buckwheat wraps.

MARKET VIBES

Origins Market is fairly new to the scene in Busselton and offers fresh produce, hand-made goodies and gourmet food all under one roof. Pick up your grocery supplies including locally caught seafood, fresh vegies and sustainably farmed meats, while having a wine, beer or gin tasting. The market is home to more than 60 makers from around the region. Open from 7am, it’s also a great place to start the day with a freshly brewed coffee.

LUNCH IN BUSSELTON

It’s a good idea to book ahead when visiting new kid on the block, Shelter Brewing Co. The vast barn-style structure houses a full brewery setup and seating for 300 guests, all happily feasting on ribs, brisket, vegan burgers and much more, washed down with craft beer and cider.

Burger Bones comes from Coops Deville’s obsession with making the absolute best burgers he can, and constant off-menu specials as he experiments with sauces, cheeses and fried chicken. Fans have been known to make day trips from Perth especially for these burgers.

Lunch at The Equinox equals seafood with a sea view; think salt n pepper squid, garlic prawn pizza or a seafood board, or casual classics like a chicken schnitzel sandwich (yum!)

Grab a burger at The Gosling Food Trailer, next to the skate park on the foreshore, while they rebuild the iconic ocean-view restaurant. There’s hot chips, ice-cream, coffee, and a patch of lawn perfect for an impromptu picnic. ALSO TRY: Pho Sai Gon, The Urban Coffee House.

BAR HOPPING

Firestation has an impressive array of natural and organic wines plus a craft beer list to win the heart of any beer lover. Grab a bevvy or two and a pizza in the courtyard.

Hally’s Bar qualifies a mention for their amazing rooftop location. The vibe is Melbourne meets Busselton with excellent service and quality food.

Open Tuesday – Saturday, Bodega is new to town offering tapas, cocktails and boasting an impressive selection of wines and craft beer.

The Esplanade Hotel is a reliable staple with quality pub food, great outside courtyard or warm indoor seating.

SHOPPING IN BUSSELTON

Indulging in some weekend shopping in Busselton? Shop for shoes, clothing, art supplies, jewellery – all the lovely things you need, with a relaxed small town vibe and free parking. Check the opening hours, as some places wind down early on Sundays.

Busselton is home to four awesome bookshops; Busselton Books, Viva Books, Barefoot Books and Dymocks, all locally owned and operated. Busselton Books is a secondhand bookshop and paperback exchange. The team are eager to help find your next read, or the perfect present, and will happily gift wrap.

Fat Duck Cycles has everything an avid athlete could ask for, from the latest cycling gear to performance swimwear, as well as being a great place for coffee and a snack.

Fusion Jewellers is family-owned and operated and not only do they have a superb selection on display, they custom design and handmake pieces too. It’s especially lovely to shop at Fusion knowing how generously they support so many local causes.

To Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

CAPE NATURALISTE RD

Bike Shed Dunsborough

Blue Manna Bistro NATURALISTE TCE

Yahoo Surfboards

Bungalow Social

Yarri Peko Peko

Dunsborough Bakery

SquidLips Fish & Chips Nina’s Jewellery

ShoeBeDoo DUNN BAY RD

Dunsborough Cellars

CAVES RD

To Margaret River

Naturaliste Charters 10 min 0.6 km

SEYMOUR PARK

LIONS PARK

Hillzeez

Occy’s Bay Village Resort & Spa DUNSBOROUGH BEACH

GEOGRAPH BAY RD CENTENNIAL PARK

To Quindalup Boat Ramp

DUNSBOROUGH HIGHLIGHTS

Dunsborough town centre is a coastal community located within walking distance from Geographe Bay but with a distinctly different vibe offered at the shopping district than at the casual beachfront. The town is bursting with bakeries, bars and fashion boutiques while the beach is perfect for a bike ride and a splash in the turquoise waters.

Yallingup: Yallingup is surrounded by the ruggedly beautiful Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Here the calm waters of Geographe Bay give way to a dramatic coastline, famous for its surf breaks. So good are the waves here, pro surfer Taj Burrow calls it home.

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse: A casual 59 steps to the top of this working lighthouse rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and Meelup Regional Park.

Ngilgi Cave: An ancient and sacred place, Ngilgi Cave is the site of an Aboriginal creation story that’s shared with visitors by Traditional Owner Josh Whiteland (Koomal Dreaming). The resonating silence and intricacy inside the cave leaves its mark on all who bear witness.

Picturesque Drinking & Dining:

Elevated casual is Dunsborough’s definition of meal time – restaurants, wineries and breweries offer a taste of the region’s best, with nature’s beauty the backdrop. Intimate Moments: Intimacy takes on new meaning here – whether you’re travelling solo or as a couple, family or friends, there’s a sense of seclusion and natural indulgence in Dunsborough that draws you closer to what’s important.

Boutique Shopping: From handmade wares and art to clothing and jewellery, shopping here isn’t an exercise in excess but a way of getting into the rhythm of Dunsborough’s alluring lifestyle.

TOWN MAP

Visitors Centre

Restaurant

Café

Bar

Gift Shop

Gallery

Accommodation

Supermarket

Pedestrian/cycle path

Dining/shopping precinct

Green Space

ECO EXPLORATIONS ACROSS Dunsborough & Yallingup

Leaping off rocks into surging surf, learning about Meelup’s flora and fauna, long lunching at an off-grid winery then star gazing at an eco-cabin; here’s how to explore Yallingup and Dunsborough the eco-sensitive way.

WORDS: Lizzy Pepper

PLAY

South West Eco Discoveries are nature and wildlife specialists, with a range of ecoaccredited family friendly tours. I joined them for a half-day coastal and wildlife tour around Cape Naturaliste, the northern tip of the Margaret River Region, where we watched Mick dive via a fish-cam, walked a stretch of the Cape to Cape Track and grazed on cheese and wine overlooking Sugarloaf Rock.

“We make the wonder of the natural environment the number one focus on all of our tours.” This could involve sighting whales from Cape Naturaliste, discovering stunning wildflowers or sitting under a starry sky while quendas and woylies hop about your feet. ‘Meet the Woylies’ nocturnal tour is excellent too; a rare chance to meet critically endangered animals in a fox-proof sanctuary.

Coasteering with Margaret River Adventure Co is a thrilling must-do for adventure lovers and coastal dwellers and will leave you on an adrenalin high. You’ll feel 110% safe with owneroperator Cam O’Beirne, as you climb ancient granite boulders and leap into swimming holes near Yallingup, exploring and learning about the landscape along the way. We did it on a lowswell day when the water was clear and would absolutely do it again.

Venture into Ngilgi Cave to explore a million-year-old limestone cave decorated with calcite crystal stalactites, stalagmites and shawls. Great for adventurous kids thanks to an optional crawl tunnel, you can sing a tune in the near-perfect acoustics of the amphitheatre and give your legs a walkout on the stairs.

Join Koomal Dreaming for a private twilight tour of Ngilgi Cave with Wadandi cultural custodian Josh Whiteland. You’ll be mesmerised by his didgeridoo performance and stories.

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is a glorious spot to explore walk trails, look out for whales and hear fascinating maritime history. You can climb the lighthouse on a guided tour, taking in 270-degree ocean views and learning about the clockwork mechanism, mercury bath and Fresnal lens that work to beam a light 47km out to sea. Bookings are recommended.

EAT

Arimia operates entirely off grid, reliant on rainwater, solar power and battery storage to run their Yallingup restaurant, cellar door and guest house. Chef Evan Hayter is also a keen farmer, growing trout, pigs and sheep alongside the vines and kitchen garden, and a zero-waste approach allows him to be more creative. Produce used in the restaurant is organically or biodynamically grown on the property or

VISIT BUNKERSBEACHHOUSE.COM.AU FOR TIMES AND MENU OFFERINGS.

sourced from similar local operators.

Lunch is enjoyed with a charming view of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge in the background, and Evan’s thriving garden in the fore. Pair it with wine for the perfect sustainable long lunch.

Aravina has so much to offer; glorious hydrangea gardens, a surf museum, vintage car gallery, sumptuous dining – all underpinned by sustainable practices in the vineyard and winery. A 99KW solar farm generates 40% of their requirements, organic herbs and vegetables from the kitchen garden, apple and pear orchard go into the chef’s seasonal cuisine, and they minimise the use of chemicals, pesticides, plastics, and single use packaging.

Further afield

Wine and dine at Cullen Wines’ Biodynamic Wine Room, the first winery in the region to sequester more carbon than they emit. 90% of produce is grown on site, and a set course lunch menu means minimal waste. In recent news, Cullen is the first winery to be approved for funding as part of the Western Australian State Government’s Carbon Farming and Land Restoration Program.

STAY

Petit Eco Cabin is an architecturally designed sustainable cabin tucked amongst trees and organic vines at Windows Estate. The cabin

Coasteering with Margaret River Adventure Co is a thrilling must-do for adventure lovers and coastal dwellers

collects its own rainwater, grey water is used on nearby fruit trees, and solar panels provide energy for heating. Beautifully designed with a waterfall window for tree and star gazing, there’s day beds inside and out for lazing. Best of all is the proximity to Windows Estate cellar door, plus Chow’s Table, Gabriel’s Chocolate, House of Cards and Arimia Estate all a stone’s throw.

Further afield

Powered by sunshine and rainfall, Tree Chalets is an off grid private getaway set in a rose gum plantation near Busselton. Cuddle by the fireplace or soak away your stresses in the outdoor bathtub, enjoying the birdsong while your EV recharges on the Tesla car charger.

To Cowaramup

MARGARET RIVER HIGHLIGHTS

It comes as a surprise to some visitors that Margaret River’s bustling town centre sits roughly 8km from the coast. But the main street never disappoints. There is an indelible buzz to the town centre with a mix of artisan stores and galleries, public street art, diverse drinking options and a good selection of retail shops.

CARTERS RD

Margaret River Distilling Company

Margaret River Brewhouse

ROTARY PARK

MARGARET RIVER

La Scarpetta Trattoria

Margaret River Hairy Marron Cafe Historical Society

Jah Roc Galleries

Swings and Roundabouts Margaret River The Local & Cafe Mosaic

Wineries & Gourmet Dining: Margaret River’s fertile environment gives way to some of the world’s finest wines and produce that good chefs dream of.

Mountain Biking Trails: Margaret River, with it’s rich biodiversity and abundance of space, has garnered attention worldwide as an outdoor recreation mecca particularly for MTB enthusiasts. Autumn and winter are perfect for taking on the trails.

Mammoth Cave: The ancient cave system that exists within Margaret River’s costal limestone ridge gives insight to Wadandi and natural history, and the true fertility and wonder of this land.

Margaret River: The lifeblood of the town’s fertile environment, the Margaret River flows through here and culminates at Rivermouth.

Surfers Point: Generations of professional and amateur surfers alike have flocked here to surf the region’s famous point break - and it’s a good spot to eat fish and chips at sunset, too.

Cowaramup’s Arts Scene: Inspired by the landscape, local artists have put their stamp on Cowaramup. Explore artisan stores, galleries and studios in this unexpectedly creative little town.

Margaret River Artisan Store Margaret River Liquor Merchants Sidekick Café Settlers Tavern Hillzeez Subculture Squidlips Fish’n’Chips Riversmith

Artful Ink Tattoo Studio Margs

Margaret River Fudge Factory

WALCLIFFE RD

To Prevelly & Gnarabup Beaches

Margaret River Heart

Skate Park

Life Cycle

Bikes Blue Ginger Fine Foods

The Garden Basket

Farmer’s Market Burger Baby

Hillzeez Down South Surf Shop

Drift Café

The Village at Margs

Miki’s Open Kitchen Retyre Shoes Morries Arc of Iris

FORREST RD

BUSSELL HWY

To Augusta 45 min 2.4 km

River Walk

TOWN MAP

Visitors Centre Gallery

Restaurant Supermarket

Café Pedestrian/cycle path

Bar Dining/shopping precinct

Gift Shop Green Space

MARGARET RIVER’S Surf & SourceTrail

WORDS: Emily Kurys-Romer

Like the beginning and end of something much greater, the fresh waters of the Margaret River flow through land, forest and out to sea, sharing life and vitality to all who encounter it. Visitors come to grasp a slice of this life, but many stay to add their own thread to the intricate tapestry.

Highlights

Swings and Roundabouts Margaret River

‘Swings’ in Margaret River is the Swings and Roundabouts winery home base in town. It captures all the laid back, jovial spirit of the Yallingup headquarters, right down to its wine barrel-inspired interior and warm, friendly service. Expect casual but comforting woodfired pizzas and Mediterranean share plates and Swings and Roundabouts wines on tap. Swings is the local’s local, where everyone is welcome.

Ellensbrook at Mokidup

Ellensbrook Homestead at Mokidup is a beautiful and peaceful place of historical and cultural significance, set into the coastal landscape and surrounded by lush forest. This is a place where nature and cultures merge, run by the National Trust of Western Australia. The house was built in 1857 and is a testament to traditional Wadandi knowledge and settler ingenuity. The grounds have a large lawn area and shady trees by a waterway, with bush walk trails leaving from the site.

Margaret River Fudge Factory

The Margaret River Fudge Factory was founded in 1999, and is now an oasis of sweet treats on the main street of town. See premium homemade fudge and chocolate being made by hand in the showroom. The factory is family-friendly and free to visit, with tasty samples on offer.

Yahava Koffeeworks Margaret River

Yahava is a wonderland of coffee just outside Margaret River. The experiences are varied, from stopping by the café for your favourite brew to settling into a Koffee Academy course on brewing and making coffees.

Margaret River Farmers Market

The award-winning Margaret River Farmers Market is a firm weekly fixture and a must-do, to be immersed in one of the most authentic local experiences. Established in 2002, the market connects hard-working farmers within Margaret River (or just beyond; specifically within the southwest appellation) with consumers. Shop according to the seasons, supporting local, connecting to the community, lowering food miles and cutting out the middle-man.

Jesters Flat

Jesters Flat is a rural equestrian farm specialising in horse riding experiences on and off the property. The rustic country clubhouse and play area was designed for non-riding guests to enjoy themselves; the campfire in winter or the shady gardens on warmer days. For everyone else, this is the premium horseriding adventure destination in the south west. Treks visit beaches, breweries, wineries and secluded waterholes.

Stand Up Surfing

Join Stand Up Surfing for a morning paddle at one of Margaret River’s best-loved beaches; learn how to paddle with expert guides or join a tour with breakfast included. There are 60-to90-minute sessions available to everyone from eight years of age, with instructors there to help you every step of the way (each with a world standard qualification and being trained lifeguards). Plan this experience for your stay in the summer months.

Brown Hill Estate

Brown Hill is a proudly small, family-owned and run winery that lies 12 minutes from Margaret River near the rustic village of Rosa Brook. The cellar door is set up right in the winery itself and operated by members of the family. Try one of the three ranges in a wine tasting, book a winery tour or barrel hall tasting.

Jarvis Estate

Jarvis Estate likes to offer something a bit different on top of the usual cellar door visit: free vineyard tours. This is a small, familyowned boutique winery off the beaten track (but still just 10 minutes from Margaret River). Guests are greeted by the winemaker and owner for a personalised tour of the awardwinning winery. Check out local artwork at the cellar door, or bring your own picnic to enjoy with a bottle of wine in the gardens.

Voyager Estate

Voyager Estate is one of the more renowned opulent wineries in Margaret River. The Cape Dutch-style cellar door is surrounded by famously well-kept grounds and a romantic rose garden, setting the tone for the visit. Inside is the base for Voyager’s extensive wine tasting options, behind-thescenes tours and gastronomic degustation experiences. The vineyard has recently transitioned to certified organic, cementing the reputation of its Cabernet and Chardonnay varieties.

Xanadu Wines

Xanadu Wines is one of the larger, luxurious wineries catering to a relaxed and familyfriendly crowd - the grounds are even poochwelcoming! Xanadu was one of the early wineries of the region (founded in 1977) and its wines are seriously well awarded. The cellar door sits next to a large grassed courtyard (with nearby playground) providing multiple tasting settings.

ENJOY A TASTE OF MARGARET RIVER’S FINEST

We invite you to join us for a tasting, among some of the oldest vines in Margaret River, at our famous Redbrook vineyard.

OPEN EVERY DAY 10:30 — 5 CORNER CAVES & METRICUP ROADS WILYABRUP, MARGARET RIVER, WA

We have collaborated with Dellendale Creamery and Maison Lassiaille to present a delicious Margaret River wine, cheese and chocolate pairing.

$25 PER PERSON Enjoy a seasonal guided tasting of four premium wines matched with artisan cheese and a chocolate bonbon.

SCAN TO BOOK

Far right: Jesters Flat equestrian. Right: Margaret River Farmers’ Market. Below: Eagles Heritage

Cape Mentelle Vineyards

Cape Mentelle is one of the founding wineries of Margaret River (and the closest to the township itself). It began in the 1970s with winemaking legend David Hohnen, who wanted to make Australian wines known to the world. Today, the winemaking team is made up of multicultural specialists of their field. Cape Mentelle was a first in the region to offer Behind the Scenes visits to guests, and now has a range of tour and tasting options.

McHenry Hohnen

McHenry Hohnen runs its unique pop-up cellar door in the charming and characterful town of Witchcliffe, a few minutes south of Margaret River. The winery is focused on biodynamic farming, limited intervention winemaking and single vineyard wines. The cellar door is casual and intimate, inviting you right in off the main street of Bussell Highway. Inside, taste and learn about the winery’s ecological, practical and socially-responsible practices.

Eagles Heritage Wildlife Centre

Eagles Heritage is a classic, (almost) allnatural attraction – a bushland sanctuary for Australia’s birds of prey. It boasts the country’s largest collection of birds of prey and cares for those injured, orphaned and displaced including eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Stop by for one of the twice-daily flight displays where the birds interact with their handlers. The admission price supports the centre’s education, rehab and engangered species breeding.

JahRoc Galleries

JahRoc Galleries is one of the most prominent art galleries in Margaret River (not just because it sits at town’s entrance), with an array of exhibiting artists, an impressive in-house collection and exclusive wooden furniture range. The gallery is known for its diverse art, jewellery and cuttingedge furniture designs. The mediums include fine art, paintings, glass, sculpture, ceramic and more. See the extremely rare range of Argyle mine pink diamonds on showcase. The gallery was founded in 1987 by master furniture designers and makers Gary Bennett and David Paris, whose awardwinning works use ethically sourced local hardwoods.

Margaret River and Districts Historical Society Old Settlement Museum

The Margaret River and Districts Historical Society Old Settlement Museum immerses visitors in the life of the region’s early working families through history, artefacts and photography. Find the Museum on the forested banks of Margaret River right in town, in the original 1925 Bramley School and Group Settlement buildings.

LOCAL GUIDES

Walk Talk Taste Margaret River

Uncover the secrets of Margaret River’s gourmet food scene alongside your guide, an experienced journalist, traveller and foodie. Walk Talk Taste is unique because it’s run right out of Margaret River town itself: on foot in the fresh air.

Margaret River Discovery Co

Margaret River Discovery Co specialises in personalised touring for people who “don’t do tours”, chaperoned by award-winning guide Sean Blocksidge. It’s luxury touring for nature and wine lovers aboard Sean’s Landrover Discovery 4WD. Visit the actual Margaret River and Cape to Cape Track, with a side of cliffs, canoeing (without getting dirty or wet), wildlife-spotting and lunch at Fraser Gallop Estate, with VIP access into the winery and vineyard. This has been rated as the number one Margaret River tour experience on Tripadvisor for 13 consecutive years.

STAY

Margaret River Bed and Breakfast

Margaret River B&B is the ideal springboard for exploring the region, just off Caves Road with a quick route to town on one side and the area’s most famous surf beaches on the other. The B&B has four resort-style rooms among nine acres of native forest. Each has its own veranda and double jacuzzi fronting onto lawn and bushland. The bright common room has floor-to-ceiling windows, multiple cosy seating options and gallery walls with works available to purchase from West Australian artists.

Margaret River Holiday Cottages

Margaret River Holiday Cottages is the perfect destination to switch off, slow down and have an authentic country experience. There are three options of accommodation for everyone from travelling couples to work groups and families, with a great range of facilities (the communal firepit, indoor heated swimming pool, playground, nature and cycle trails are highlights). Here you have 12 acres of bush gardens neighbouring state forest to explore. The Cottages house a menagerie of transient and orphaned animals (whom you can feed!) – miniature Irish donkeys, sheep, alpacas, a calf, chickens and ducks.

This article was originally published on margaretriver.com and adapted for print.

AUGUSTA HIGHLIGHTS

Augusta town centre often flies under the radar but those in the know love its quirk and charm. Take a stroll down the street and you’ll find eclectic vintage shops and cafes, an old school bus turned pizza bar, and a pub with arguably the best view in WA. The Augusta folk are a chatty bunch too and it’s the local pearls of wisdom offered along the way that can make a visitor instantly smitten with the place.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse: Maritime legend abounds at the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia, situated at the most south-westerly point of Australia where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet.

Hamelin Bay: Share an intimate moment with a stingray in pristine Hamelin Bay.

Blackwood River: Fish, swim or soak in the serenity to your heart’s content along the Blackwood River, the region’s most significant water source and the longest river in the south west.

Walking Trails: A network of walking trails connects river, bush and sea in and around Augusta, forming pathways into the town’s unique history, flora and fauna.

Eat Abalone: Forget the trims of fine dining; sink your teeth into a piece of locally farmed abalone at The Colourpatch seafood restaurant or at Glenarty Road winery.

Whale Watching: Flinders Bay becomes a nursery for the next generation of Southern Right Whales and Humpbacks from May - August, and whales can be seen in all their glory from boat, beach and lookout.

Boranup Forest: Witness the sheer beauty of the karri trees as winter rain brings fertility to the forest.

To Margaret River

Blackwood River Houseboats

Skate Park ALLNUT TCE

AUGUSTA CIVIC PARK

BP Augusta

Augusta CRC

Centennial Hall Deckchair Café

HILLVIEW RD

Augusta Historical Museum

Augusta Newspower

Augusta

River Tours Boat Ramp

Augusta Fish & Chips

Augusta Hotel Motel

BLACKWOOD AVE HARDY INLET

10 min 1.1 km

To Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Turner Caravan Park

Pioneer Memorial

War Memorial The Colourpatch Cafe & Bar LIONS PARK

TOWN MAP

Visitors Centre Accommodation

Restaurant Supermarket

Café Pedestrian/cycle path

Bar Dining/shopping precinct

Gift Shop Green Space

Gallery

NAUTICAL CURIOSITIES FROM THE TIP OF THE CAPE Shipwrecks, early explorers and beached whales

WORDS: Sarah Robinson

TAKE EVEN THE smallest step back into Augusta’s history, and you’ll discover the little cape town isn’t quite what it seems. Kathy Tritton, the President of the Augusta Historical Society, is someone who knows this firsthand.

“I came down to the Augusta area with one of my foster families to visit the cave and the lighthouse,” she says. “My husband and I later moved down here, and over time you pick up bits and pieces; something intrigues you and you go looking for a bit more.”

Kathy lives on Molloy Island; a 15 minute car ride, plus a barge crossing, from Augusta’s main strip. In the old days Kathy ran a souvenir store in town. Now, she volunteers at the Augusta Historical Museum, where she shares the stories she collects.

“Augusta has been a tourist place for so long, we’re talking generational holidaymakers, people who came down with their grandparents, who came down here honeymooning,” she says. “There is a special feel, you really can’t put your finger on it.”

The first settlers didn’t feel quite the same way though.

“Everything looked green, so from their perspective, if it was green, it was fertile,” Kathy says.

“They really didn’t understand the landscape back then, and were basing what they were seeing on their knowledge from home.”

They also didn’t understand the culture of the Wadandi Pibulmun people, who had been living on the land for at least 45,000 years.

“The settlers landed with crop material and animals, and the Aboriginal culture was that everyone shared everything; a fence was something to climb over, it was like a fallen log,” Kathy says. “If there were animals that was for

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse still has the original cottages, one housing an exceptional interpretive centre with artefacts, interactive technology and a large scale animation.

everyone to share, but that wasn’t the white man’s view.”

The treacherous coastline also proved problematic for early settlers.

“In Hamelin Bay alone, there are almost 13 wrecks,” Kathy says. “Probably the most famous would be the Pericles, which was on its way to Fremantle and then London for the coronation of King George V around 1910.”

The Pericles was built in the same Belfast shipping yard as the Titanic, and was owned by the ill-fated White Star Line. When the ship hit an uncharted rock, it started sinking. Luckily, no one died. Well. Almost.

“They were all rescued, except the captain’s cat, who was apparently in the last lifeboat and decided to jump out,” Kathy says. “Cats don’t like changing homes.”

For weeks after, Augusta locals collected boxes of butter and other salvage, which washed to shore from the wreck. A few men from the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse were given bravery awards, and the town was congratulated for taking care of the rescued crew.

To this day Augustans are legendary at levelling up in times of emergency. Like in 1986, when 114 false killer whales beached themselves on Flinders Bay. 96 were rescued, making it one of the most successful whale rescues of its time.

“It starts with locals, and it all comes down to what they do and how they react initially before anyone else can even get there,” Kathy says.

Another local rescue happened back in 1876, when just after midnight, the Georgette started to take on water between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Hamelin. Sam Isaacs, an Aboriginal stockman who worked for the Bussell homestead, raised the alarm and returned with ropes and gear to rescue the crew.

Grace Bussell, a 16 year old girl from the homestead, went back to the wreck with Sam. The pair rode into the surf to rescue the drowning sailors. At the time, Grace was given most of the accolades and attention, however Sam’s bravery should not be lost in history.

Twelve lives were lost in the Georgette shipwreck, which now lies around 90 metres off Redgate Beach. Sam’s medal can be found in the Augusta Historical Museum.

“Sam Isaacs was given a medal and a piece of land, and we have his medal and some photos of him in the museum,” says Kathy.

Anyone can visit the Augusta Historical Museum to learn more about the Georgette, and other incredible stories from the town. “At one stage there was so few people in Augusta they were talking about deregistering the name as a town – but we hung on and we’re still here,” she says. “I think the people in the area are very proud of their town.”

The Augusta Historical Society meets on the third Thursday of every month. Members of the public are welcome to come along and listen to stories, or visit the museum in town to discover more about Augusta’s history.

Want to learn more about Augusta’s history?

• Visit the Augusta Historical

Museum. • Camp at the Alexandra

Bridge Campground. • Tour the Cape Leeuwin

Lighthouse • Discover Humpback Whales with Whale Watch WA.

Gale Street Motel & Villas, Busselton offers affordable, comfortable and clean accommodation in a quiet street off the highway - with the glorious waters of Geographe Bay at the end of our street (3 minute walk).

It is only a 5-10 minute walk to all cafes and restaurants in the town centre and approximate 10-12 minute walk to the famous Busselton Jetty.

AROUND

GETTING

BY COACH

TransWA

TransWA travels from Perth to Margaret River every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with optional drop-offs along the way and returns to Perth the same day. Or keep hold of your ticket and return to Perth at a later date. transwa.wa.gov.au

South West Coach Lines

Catch the express coach service connecting Perth, Perth Domestic and Perth International Airport terminals with Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River. southwestcoachlines.com.au

BY CAR

Margaret River Rent a Car

To see the best of the region, hire a car or people mover from Margaret River – all you need is a driver’s licence, even if it’s an interstate or international one. margaretriverrentacar.com.au

Hertz Busselton

Hertz supplies an extensive range of cars, people movers, and 4WD vehicles for short and long-term rentals. margaretriver.com (search Hertz)

Avis Southwest Car Hire

Explore the beautiful Margaret River region at your own pace with a rental from Avis Southwest Car Hire in Busselton. One-way rentals are available back to Perth. avis.com.au

Discover the southwest with Avis.

With our locations at Bunbury, Busselton and Busselton-Margaret River Airport.

1800 679 880 | avis.com.au

IN STYLE

McLeod Tours

Take in Margaret River’s scenery and attractions with local expert and award-winning guide Neil McLeod. The three-day Escape tour provides pick-up from your Perth hotel or Perth train station, comfortable bus transport, three days touring with a dedicated tour guide, delicious food and wine, and an exciting itinerary. mcleodtours.com.au

Esquire Classic Charters

Fancy being chauffeur driven throughout the region in a classic Rolls Royce vehicle? Esquire Classic Charters have perfectly maintained classic cars and offer luxury wine tours. esquireclassiccharters.com.au

Westward Aviation Charter Services

Depart from Jandakot Airport as the sun rises and enjoy stunning views of the Swan River, Fremantle Harbour, Rockingham, Mandurah, the Peel Inlet and Bunbury then on to either Busselton or Margaret River. Westward Aviation will transfer you from the airport to the city and take you back at no extra cost. Your return journey will be just as spectacular with the sun setting over the Indian Ocean and the night lights of the City of Perth. westwardaviation.com.au

South West Luxury Transport

Locally owned and operated by ex-Qantas pilot, Andrew and local artist Rebekah, the team at South West Luxury Transport bring a culmination of skills to ensure the most premium of experiences. southwestluxurytransport.com.au

Margaret River Tours

One of the original and some say the best tour operators in the region, Margaret River Tours have pre-planned itineraries for you to get around and taste local produce, wine and craft beer. margaretrivertours.com

Chauff-Her

If you need to get around the region for wine, beer or gin tours - or for a wedding or special event, Chauff-Her will arrange transport for up to 7 passengers. chauff-her.com.au

South West Eco Discoveries

Tours with a more adventurous bent, South West Eco Discovery Tours will have you visiting special natural landmarks, discovering wildlife and tasting local flavours. southwestecodiscoveries.com.au

VIRTUALLY

Margaretriver.com The number one travel authority in the region, margaretiver.com is full of inspiration and practical information on how to navigate your way around the region. Pop up webchat and telephone enquiries will also answer any of your more curly questions.

Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2022

Wonderful Wines

Fabulous Food

Great Gifts

506 Metricup Rd, Wilyabrup www.woodynook.com.au info@woodynook.com.au (08) 9755 7547